Freelancing is great option for anyone with skills to sell and the drive to work independently.

But certain groups of people should really consider freelancing because it may suit their circumstances better than a traditional job.

What Is Freelancing?

It still amazes me the number of people who ask, so what exactly is freelancing?

The great thing is freelancing can be whatever you want it to be.

All it means is you offer services on a self-employment basis.

I’m a freelance writer, which means I don’t have a set employer.

I find clients–newspapers, magazines,businesses, etc. Then, we reach an agreement on work will be done and how much it’ll cost. I do the job, and I get paid.

That’s freelancing.

Some clients are long-term, so I work with them on a regular basis for months or years.

Some are one-timers, so after the initial job we part ways.

And in the writing world, there are some companies that you can work for whenever you want, such as the Metro platform.

But writers aren’t the only freelancers. There are freelance photographers, videographers, web designers, software developers, virtual assistants… The list runs for miles.

Groups that should consider freelancing

College students

When in you’re in college, your schedule can make it hard to get a decent-paying  job.

Each semester your availability may change, and the way classes are staggered can it difficult to find shifts that suit you.

One of the most attractive things about freelancing is the flexibility of working whenever it works for you.

Freelancing allows college students to take assignments with deadlines. So, as long as you’re finished by the agreed up date and time, no one cares when you do the work.

Stay-at-home parents

Many parents with young children stay home because they’re concerned about strangers caring for their children or because childcare is too expensive.

Freelancing offers a win-win because it allows you to work from anywhere. So, you can stay home with your kids and earn an income.

Did You Catch: Running A Business And Looking For A Man To Provide

Retirees

A lot of retired people are glad to be done with the hustle and bustle of going to work. But they “wouldn’t mind finding something to do on the side” to bring in extra money, occupy time, or provide companionship.

If that’s you, consider freelancing.

You can do things you enjoy, limit where and what you work on, and get the fulfillment you’re looking for, even if you’re seeking work that allows you to interact others.

Remember, freelancing doesn’t have to mean working in isolation. Freelance journalism, photography, and personal assisting can offer a lot of interaction.

Second job seekers

If you’re thinking about getting a part-time job, why not work for yourself?

You can either set up a business offering the same services you provide on your full-time job or you can do something completely different to add variety to your life.

Either way, freelancing may be less stressful because you won’t have to worry about lining the schedules between to employer.

Plus, you may get more fulfillment from being self-employed than you from a traditional job.

Chronically ill

If you suffer with chronic illness, you may go through phases when working is either extremely difficult or impossible.

And as a result, you may have lost or quit numerous jobs. And over time, those short stints and gaps in your employment history may make it difficult to get hired.

If you consider freelancing, you can alleviate much of that headache. Your short work relationships won’t bother most freelance clients, because they know freelancers work is often project-based.

Likewise, many clients don’t care or ask about periods when you weren’t working.

See: Freelancing & Living On Benefits

Military spouses and transient partners

I was in a relationship where I packed up and traveled abroad every so many months. So, I understand how difficult it is to establish a sustainable stream of income when you’re constantly moving around.

That relationship is actually what made me start freelancing full-time.

Freelancing allowed me to build a business, keep steady clients, and eliminate the headaches of work restrictions when I was abroad.

Plus, I didn’t have to worry about finding a new employer every time I returned to the U.S.

If you move around a lot, you consider freelancing to add stability to your finances.

Convicted felons

Convicted felons often go through hell trying to get a job because employers have senseless exclusion policies.

If you’ve experienced this headache or you want to avoid it, consider freelancing.

One of the glories of this here lifestyle is that clients don’t generally care about anything other than whether you can get the job done and how much it’s going to cost.

Rarely, if ever, will you face a background check or get questioned about your past, except maybe if you’re working on a government project or something for a corporation that’s top secret.

Freedom from having people scrutinize your personal life or try to impose rules on it is one of many coveted perks of being a freelancer.

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Are there other types of people who you think should consider freelancing? If so, please share in the comments.

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